“Adjacent to the Dutch cattle market, this oval open space became a “parade” and was leased in 1733 for the annual fee of one peppercorn as a quasi-public bowling ground (or green), for the “Beauty & Ornament of the Said Street as well as for the Recreation & delight of the Inhabitants.” The fence remaining today was erected in 1771-1772, although its decorative crowns were snapped off by exuberant patriots after the reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 9, 1776. "

AIA Guide to New York City by Norval White and Elliot Willensky (Three River’s Press, New York 2000).

Always gives me a thrill to see the uneven ends of the fence surrounding the Bowling Green, where New Yorkers snapped off the crowns which symbolized British rule. When things are broken in New York, they stay broken. The gilded statue of George III which was in the park was pulled down that day, and melted down to make bullets.